What Is Design Methodology?

Design Methodology refers to the development of a system or method for a unique situation. Today, the term is most often applied to technological fields in reference to web design, software or information systems design. Read this article to learn more about what Design Methodology is.

Components of Design Methodology

The key to Design Methodology is finding the best solution for each design situation, whether it be in industrial design, architecture or technology. Design Methodology stresses the use of brainstorming to encourage innovative ideas and collaborative thinking to work through each idea and arrive at the best solution. Meeting the needs and wants of the end user is the most critical concern. Design Methodology also employs basic research methods, such as analysis and testing.

Design Methodology in Technology

While Design Methodology is employed in many industries, it is commonly applied in technology fields, including those using the Internet, software and information systems development. Several Design Methodology approaches have developed in the technology industry. Each was a reaction to a different type of problem. Some common technology Design Methodologies include:

• Top Down Design or Stepwise Refinement: This starts from the end solution and works backwards, refining each step along the way.
• Bottom Up Design: This Design Methodology starts with a foundation and works up towards a solution.
• Structured Design: This is an industry standard. The technique starts by identifying inputs and desired outputs to create a graphical representation.
• Structured Analysis and Design Technique: This approach utilizes a diagram to describe the hierarchy of a system's functions.
• Data Structured Systems Development: Data structure determines the system structure in this Design Methodology.
• Object Oriented Design: This methodology is based on a system of interacting objects.